| Valencia (0) | Real Sociedad (0) |
With the upcoming midweek Copa del Rey semi-final against a Marcelino-led Athletic Bilbao, this weekend’s LaLiga clash against Real Sociedad was in danger of being overshadowed.
But a mixture of new faces from the January window and Valencia bench, some swashbuckling Los Che play and a gush of blood right at the end of the match provided just enough intrigue for a stalemate that was anything but stale.
Key players like Carlos Soler and Goncalo Guedes were given a rest, only coming on later in the game, showing Jose Bordalas’ priorities ahead of the Copa semis. Bryan Gil, Ilaix Moriba and Eray Comert, perhaps still getting used to the Valencian air, were thrown into the mix again just a few days after the Celta match.
Gil built on his outstanding debut at the Copa, getting the crowd on their feet with his wing play and combinations with Jose Gaya. But the exertions may have taken a toll on Comert, taken off on 70 minutes as he seemed to cramp up.
Valencianistas would have also been heartened to see the reserves holding their own against a European contender, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal carrying on his good form from early in the season. Still 21, the Georgian was vocal and commanding in the box, making an outstanding save at full stretch from a header from Robin Le Normand. Central defender Cristhian Mosquera, an upcoming 17-year-old prospect from the academy, impressed with his physicality as he outmuscled fully-grown men.
The Bats were left to rue our missed chances as we took 15 shots, nearly twice that of our opponents. Maxi Gomez was especially profligate, squandering at least 3 opportunities, including a one-on-one.
Both sides only drew blood in the 93rd minute as Hugo Guillamon was involved in a nasty clash of faces with Mikel Merino.
With just 5 wins in 12 home league games this season, Valencia have to do better at the Mestalla. But first, we have to do without home comforts as we travel to Bilbao on Thursday. The Copa might be the only chance of redeeming the season and qualifying for Europe as we remain rooted firmly in midtable.
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